Prayer is essential. Psalm 37:4-6 says, "Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun". The Lord knows exactly what we want, and He knows precisely if and when we should receive this desire in our heart. Continue praying to God for clarity and ask Him to confirm if this desire is in His will.

A quote from Rick Warren I read many years ago has stuck with me through many seasons of doubt: "You're not taking your career into eternity; you're taking your character." Anytime I am praying hard for something, and I don't receive it, I have to ask myself, “Am I ready for this dream? Or, is God strengthening my character so that I am ready and mature when I receive this gift.” God cares about who I am becoming while I wait on him.

We often take things into our own hands when we don't see something happen within our timetable, just as Abraham and Sarah did in Genesis 16. God isn't like microwaveable popcorn, and we don't have the power or authority to rush Him. When we rush God's timing, we can place ourselves on a wrong path that can set us back even longer. When something doesn't happen yet, know that God's timing is perfect, and He knows when we are ready to move forward.

It can be challenging to wait on God’s promises. But, I encourage you to keep going. As you wait, you may second-guess God’s character and purposes. However, scripture reminds us that we can trust God’s plan because ultimately we can trust the Planner. Like 2 Corinthians 1:20 reads, “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God.”

Think of something that hasn't come to fruition yet. Take time to get silent and pray to God on your next steps. Write down what God revealed to you and proceed on the path that He has for You. I’m cheering you on!